KNYSNA NEWS - A group of students from Rheenendal enrolled in learnership programmes offered by Elgin Community College's Grabouw campus say they are in a state of uncertainty after failing to receive their November 2025 stipends and facing ongoing disruptions to their studies.
Students registered for both six- and twelve-month learnership courses report that stipend payments have either been significantly delayed or not paid at all.
The lack of financial support has placed severe strain on many students, who rely on the stipends for basic living expenses such as food and transport.
No classes yet
The situation has been compounded by the fact that classes for 2026 have not yet resumed.
Students allege that this is because the venue where classes are facilitated in Rheenendal has not been paid by the college. Affected students say they do not know the way forward.
Job placements
Further concerns have been raised regarding promised job placements that were expected to take place upon completion of the learnerships. Students now fear that these opportunities may not materialise, as they claim the college has failed to communicate any updates or plans regarding post-learnership employment.
According to information received, stipend funds are paid out by, or in partnership with, the Department of Labour. Attempts to obtain clarity from the department have reportedly been unsuccessful.
Knysna-Plett Herald has contacted a responsible employee within the Department of Labour numerous times, but the employee indicated that they are unable to divulge any information to the media regarding stipend payments.
Lack of communication
Students say they have also followed up directly with the department in an effort to resolve the matter, but have received little to no feedback. The lack of communication from both the college and the department has heightened frustration and anxiety among students.
It was noted on Elgin Community College Grabouw's Facebook page that this is not the first time students of this college's stipends are not being paid on time. A comment made by a student three years ago stated that students were owed stipends for two months, as well as certificates.
Student fears
"These programmes were meant to help us build skills and secure employment, but now everything feels uncertain," said one of the students, who asked to remain anonymous.
Others fear that continued delays and silence may result in the complete collapse of the learnerships.
At the time of going to press, no official statement had been issued by Elgin Community College addressing the delayed stipends, unpaid venue fees, resumption of classes, or the status of job placements.
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